Catalog • 2012-2013

Art Therapy Major

Program Description

Art Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that engages the client in the creation of art work. The Art Therapy Major at the undergraduate level introduces the student to theories in art therapy and develops the student’s technical skills in multiple studio mediums. The Art Therapy undergraduate major prepares students to pursue graduate studies in the field of Art Therapy.

The Art Therapy Major is offered as a day or evening program. Students must receive a C or better on all courses related to the major.

Students transferring into the Art Therapy Major from another institution may not transfer more than 18 credits toward the Cedar Crest Art Major.

Portfolio Reviews are held once each semester, in the fall and spring, for students with an Art Therapy Major. Students present a portfolio of current work created in their studio courses. The purpose of the portfolio review is to provide the student with feedback on the progress of their work and to suggest potential directions the work may take as well as to serve as an assessment tool for the Art Department. Students will need two portfolio reviews to complete the requirements for the Art Therapy Major. Transfer students must have a portfolio review the first semester they matriculate.

Mission Statement

The Art Therapy Major at Cedar Crest College provides a supportive and inclusive classroom environment that fosters respect for each person and empowerment of the individual through relationship building, leadership development, civic engagement, global connectivity and health and wellness initiatives. Coursework inspires social awareness, community advocacy, and prepares students to be compassionate leaders using the healing potential of the arts. The Art Therapy Major supports and enhances the Cedar Crest College mission by way of program curriculum and leadership experiences that challenge the student to engage in principles and practice that prepares the student to communicate independent ideas formed by historical, cultural and theoretical concepts

The Art Department highly recommends upper level studio courses as general electives to supplement your portfolio for entrance into a Masters program. The department also recommends the following Art History, Psychology, English and Writing electives:

All other college-wide requirements can be satisfied by the student’s choice with the final approval of the Registrar’s office through a graduation audit. Courses are identified in the catalog with their college-wide designations. In regard to the ML requirement the Art department recommends Math 102.